Restoring a 100 Year Old Omega Watch: Amazing Backstory!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Hope you all enjoyed this one! looking forward to your comments! My tool affiliate links page. Items do not cost you any more and I earn a small commission. All tools are hand picked by myself. myretrowatches.com/tool-sale-links/ A donation to the channel can be made here. www.buymeacoffee.com/MyRetroWatches Like to buy a T-Shirt? then please look here: teespring.com/stores/my-retro-watches Thank you for your support. My website: myretrowatches.com/ facebook.com/groups/Retro.Vintage.Watches.Restorations/ My Instagram: instagram.com/myretrowatches/

[@Greg-et2dp]

My Retor watches ⌚️ you are good at restoring vintage watches my friend 😅😅😅🎉🎉

[@Greg-et2dp]

My Retor watches your 100 year old antique omega watch ⌚️ from 1923 is awesome my friend

[@chandrabhanyadav4811]

Brilliant, one if the finest video seen in a long time

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you so much

[@zoolTheOriginal]

A great watch with a great history.❤

[@Greg-et2dp]

My Retor watches your utube videos are awesome my friend

[@traktorstruppi5792]

Die Premiere hat mich geflasht. Das Geschenk in Form dieser Uhr von Bill lässt seinen Vater und die Lebensgeschichten aufleben. Die Restaurierung über Monate hat unvorstellbaren Willen gezeigt. Mit Fug und Recht haben Sie ein Denkmal geschaffen. Höchste Anerkennung dass Sie die professionellen Uhrmacher erwähnt haben, die Ihnen mit dem Wissen weiterhelfen konnten. Ihre Mühe und Ihr Enthusiasmus wird alle Rekorde brechen, bei aller Bescheidenheit. Absolut genial das Ergebnis!🔝🔥🔥🔥

[@MyRetroWatches]

Vielen Dank für diesen netten Kommentar. Ich kann von keiner Uhr geschlagen werden! Diese Omega-Uhr hatte eine Geschichte, die erzählt werden musste, und eine Herausforderung für die Reparatur. Ich bin froh, dass es jetzt funktioniert. Vielen Dank, dass Sie sich dieses Video angesehen haben.

[@jpwillm5252]

Congratulations for this very nice result. Congratulations also for your perseverance and for this very good video.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you very much!

[@robertjordan7323]

That was certainly a challenge but it turned out great!

[@TheRealBrook1968]

Liszt? Anyway, thanks for the video. I will never be able to do what you do but am fascinated in all things time and love to watch and learn.

[@jozsefizsak]

I love the video! I'm delighted that you persevered with this old thing. We sneaked across the Hungarian border into Austria one night back in 1957 after the failed uprising there. These lovely people were waiting for refugees like us with a place to sleep and hot chocolate to begin a new chapter in a better place.. We ended up in Canada. In my experience, Hungarians always had great affection for Omega watches and I still have an old one somewhere. (Of course I should know where it is but it's hiding right now and refuses to reveal itself. I may have to organize a search party, perhaps with dogs.) 😉

[@MyRetroWatches]

Something is only lost until you find it. Your story sounds equally heartening. There has been some less than complementary comments on this one about Hungarians being on the Axis side and what part they played. Suggestions too of Julius... I have to remind people its the watch I want to talk about not 1940s world politics.

[@jozsefizsak]

@@MyRetroWatches As I understand it, they joined the axis when they didn't have a lot of choice, although the uneducated rural population was massively anti-Semitic and happily sent 450,000 people off to the death camps in the first few weeks alone. I don't know Julius, I'm afraid. I was born after the war by some years. We do have to stick to watches and individuals rather than politics though. If we survive the present time, future historians will excoriate us for the madness and needless deaths going on in a number of places. The lunatics have taken over the asylum and we need to find some nice things to contemplate just to stay sane..

[@MyRetroWatches]

@@jozsefizsak well said

[@eyewetoddid]

Stories are the only things that keep us alive after we are gone....and Bill and his dad Julius's story is a great one. Thanks Mike for sharing as you continue to write your story....Cheers !

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it. I wonder how many people were interrogated while this was on the wrist. I have the dark room with one light on as the image in my mind. I am sure its not like that but its what I perceve. I am sure Julius was very passionate in his interrogations given what happened to him.

[@WrightsW5]

I found this video late tonight and watched it straight away, I had somehow missed it among the other subcription feed videos. Great adventure on this! Nice watch and good story. My watches range from 26mm to 60mm including crown, so 30mm is fine. Reminded there, to mention that i've got a Coventry Astral pocket watch, 1912, I think, without looking up the hallmark again.

[@BigDuke6ixx]

Epic repair job. Well done for seeing it through to an amazing result.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you

[@manu7815]

What a design 🙏👍

[@donbrough6386]

Wow, what a journey Mike both in terms of Julius and yourself. Loved the video and love the watch.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks . I’m pleased you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching

[@alexandregb566]

What a journey, I could feel your hard work. O really appreciate your undertaking.

[@Herr_Bone]

I am really happy to find that you care about stories as much as I do. I am a mechanic, I never repaired a watch, but I repaired a lot of old stuff - tube radios, old vices, washing machines, I even repaired an elevator built in 1921. Always the stories around these things were so important to me. They motivated me to continue, even when I had no idea how. These things have been made so many years ago, running so well for decades, it is impossible to give up just because I am lazy. Thank you so much for that video, it shows me that there are others in this world of buying and trashing that have the attitude, willingness and passion to repair and preserve the good things made so long time ago.

[@jsollowsphotography]

Love the story. I restore vintage cameras and always looks for those with an interesting story. My latest was a spy camera that escaped over the Berlin Wall in 1971. I love history! Just discovered your channel and am going to watch them all 👍

[@tonyplumb2777]

I really enjoyed this video and your skill and knowledge are very impressive I just wish I had taken up watchmaking after leaving school, watches have always fascinated me, when you see this watch opened it is hard to believe that it was made a 100 years ago. The history behind this watch is a constant reminder to appreciate that having been born in 1955 I have dodged most of the worlds major conflicts but others have not been so lucky. I am now retired and have started to buy and hopefully revive and restore digital watches of the 70,s and 80,s in the hope that eventually it will lead me into at least dismantling and servicing my own watch, thanks again, Tony.

[@johnbailey3008]

love your perseverance!

[@rogercox6020]

Superb video. The challenges you overcame would have defeated many people. Your dedication and enthusiasm for your hobby are inspirational.

[@zaygezunt]

Fantastic watch, fascinating backstory. That moment at 37:20 when the balance began to spin was actually very moving - all those years and experiences and it lived again! Well done Mike, this was your best restoration to date. Bill's faith in you was truly justified.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you so much for your kind words. It was definitely a big challenge

[@MrFelix002]

Wonderful watch great story of survival keep up the watch making

[@Daud76]

Fantastic restoration and interesting back story. 🤙🏼

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks

[@hansericsson7058]

Its a beauty

[@dodgydruid]

Been waiting to get a good sit down to give this a watch :D

[@kaiamos3195]

great video, loved the music. Enjoyed the story and the problem solving. It my favorite era of watchmaking, so simple but with so many problems.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewtolley3706]

I admire your persistence on this challenging project, a very steep learning curve! Thank you for sharing the journey.

[@johnhilton6863]

I enjoyed the history for the watch and I certainly enjoyed the video working on the watch. John

[@markehuss]

Nice journey! What I like about your channel is it's like sitting down next to a mate and watching over his shoulder - very conversational and friendly. I like how you introduce some history on watches with interesting back stories. The watch is a beaut too!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Really glad you enjoyed this one and thanks for the feedback.

[@jeff11oo]

happy new year mike keep up the great work lets keep seiko valid jeff

[@martinkavanagh196]

The phrase "you can't beat quality" is looming in my aging pate. The quality of that old watch sure .. but the QUALITY of your caring and respect resonates with me. Thanks Mike - Well Done.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you nice of you to say this.

[@rhodes6858]

I wish I could work the smaller watches, but I still admire especially beauties such as yours. Keep um coming my friend.

[@paulmaynard408]

The watch face is a delight. Congratulations on the result after all your perseverance.

[@todds2248]

Oh, the highs and lows of watchmaking! It is a great feeling to overcome a setback! I am a bit sad that Bill didn't have any heirs to pass the watch down to. I would be thrilled to have a watch verified to belong to my grandfather or great grandfather. But if not with family at least it is being appreciated.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you. All he said was no one wanted it, I am unsure of what family he has as I felt it rude to ask. Equally someone would have had to pay to get the work done which would have been costly and dependent on finding someone who would take the job on to start with. I am really pleased I could restore this and tell the story. I can be the next keeper and make sure its maintained for decades to come.

[@jamessmith6402]

Thanks Mike that was a lovely video 👍

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jcmontecarlo6123]

I bought the same one in best condition in Mexico. In silver. Gorgeous.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Nice!

[@ErvinSalma]

Amazing work! We all learned a lot! Keep up with great videos!

[@jeff11oo]

hi mike i just watched this video and at the end you said you where from coventry ME TOO stoke area 👍jeff

[@TexanUSMC8089]

Great job. Thanks for recording this. I can't imagine how skilled craftsmen made these parts back then. What's the value of this watch?...priceless.

[@markdavich5829]

Fascinating video, beautiful watch, and I appreciate how you addressed and then solved each problem. The backstory was great too and it must have been wonderful for that gentleman to see that watch run again.

[@MyRetroWatches]

It was a pleasure to restore this one despite the constant frustration, sometimes for weeks while I plotted my next move! I felt once I had started I had to finish. It is rare a watch will beat me! thanks for watching.

[@mariomartin6437]

Amazing patience

[@ias3620]

Absolutely loved it, a rebuild worth watching for all the pain you have taken. Though I'm not a horology man...Best Wishes from India

[@rlsteely]

Spectacular video. Encompasses so many different elements that watch nerds all love. Very impressed with your diagnostic skills. Thank you!

[@TPINSC]

It is a very touching story in deed. The watch looks amazing and to be able to wear it is quite an honor.

[@bluebird1239]

This video held my interest all the way through. Problems and solutions I had never seen before. You did a magnificent job and the final result is a very handsome looking watch.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you! There was a lot of frustration off camera to overcome those problems and it took a very long time but I never want to give up on a watch. thank you for your comment.

[@GentlemensWatchServices]

Hope you’re feeling suitably proud of the work and the video. All round top notch.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you. Proud yes but also relieved its finally running well!

[@sbuzz5889]

good work sticked it

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you

[@SkyBlue-le7cd]

Quite the saga and gorgeous watch. Wonderful that it’s alive again. Thanks for the video.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@federicoprice2687]

Brilliant!! A fascinating restoration of a fascinating watch with a fascinating history!! Bravo! 👍 🎉🎉 👍

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it. It was a great project to work on .

[@brucebarlow6604]

Give yourself a pat on the back Mike a great effort and satisfying results. Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Keep well from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@chriswatson9818]

What a beautiful watch and intriguing story with it. I think it came out great!

[@martincharman9759]

One of the most absorbing watchmaking videos I've seen Mike! Got to admire your persistence and the watch is abs beautiful!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Glad you enjoyed it. I put a lot of effort into this one so pleased its being appreciated.

[@davidstokes5444]

Really enjoyed the whole video, oh the ups and downs, the tenacity, the pure drama, I watched it all with a smile but somehow still on the edge of the seat. You have certainly earned your place in this watch's history. I hope it gives you many years of pleasure. Thank you for an absorbing, informative, thoroughly entertaining time.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Wow what a comment! Thank you and I’m pleased you enjoyed this one as much as I did making it!

[@Trevorpartington-yc6ri]

Wonderful work on a wonderful watch,. Making my first ever watch at the moment and your an insperation.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks. Good luck with your project.

[@Trevorpartington-yc6ri]

Ohh what a mare ! Had a few disasters, first I applied a logo to the dial slightly off. Next dial went great, nh35 cut and sanded the right feet off of the case ect ect,.... hands. hour hand no problem 9think i could dddo that blind folded (jokes), minute handd ok got it on and it's clicking over about 2 /3 mins after midnight, sencond hand had me on my hands andd knees 5 or 6 times to the point where I thought "sod it !" no second hand on this build ! I have since refound it for the umpemth time and would like to add it but do you use hacking mode to add them or let the time run and chase it around to push the hand on ?................. I used hacking andd every time i triedd to turun the hands ............ PING gone for 30 mins :S @@MyRetroWatches

[@sardiniasunrentals]

Excellent video as always

[@csspinner]

Mike, the story hooked me and from there I couldn’t look away and stuck with you to the end. This is one of my favorite videos you’ve made because it highlighted all the amazing progression you gained in just a single watch. Fantastic result and great numbers for a 100 year old watch that likely has a couple pivots and pinions worn and out of true- yet still is keeping good time and will certainly do so for years to come thanks to your skillful hands. One fun fact is watchmakers used to scribe part of the serial number under the balance arms, which is what you noticed during disassembly. Again, thanks for sharing this amazing story with us and I look forward to the next one! - Chris

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you Chris, I have no idea now I missed your comment until now!

[@cheetahlip]

Really cool restoration, watch looks awesome! 🎉

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you very much!

[@小廖-x8n]

技術精湛 SUPER JOB ，FROM TAIWAN

[@garetkonigsfeld2]

The watch couldn't have been given a better Stuart. Thanks for the story and taking us along while you brought the past to the future. Very nice job.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you.

[@sonnymoorehouse1941]

Fantastic Work !!!!! And yes fixing these 100+ year old watches is Time gobbling !!!! they are all I work on but older 1880's for most of mine, but its very rewarding !!!!!

[@Scoope1964]

Great video mate and thatnks for the mention. you really are stepping up to the next level now xx

[@MyRetroWatches]

Simon! All those endless nighttime messages to let me vent my frustration paid off! You are still one of my main mentors!

[@elmermendez3480]

Hello I'm a 60 year old guy insteresting in watch repair. I like to sit and enjoy your videos. I decide to give a try to this hobby and enjoy my time dealing with my watches some of them are automatic and in need to be serviced. I remenber when you said that we can start with a pocket watch because they are more affordable. Can you please tell me few of the brand that I can start with. Asking because you said that are brand that are not make to be opened. Please your help will be appreciated. Thank you.

[@MyRetroWatches]

I cant really advise, I have actually never worked on a pocket watch. I dont recall suggesting them but admittedly they would be easier due to their size. I normally suggest a cheap watch that you dont mind breaking. Anything with a 7-18 Jewel count. 15-18 is a sweet spot as it makes the plate fit easier and will give you better results. Also avoid day / date complications to start with do gain more confidence and understand how a train of wheels works with each other.

[@dsb1763]

I can think of no comment that would do your work and passion justice. Both your work and Bill’s story are amazing.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you.

[@michaelbell9811]

Great video, great story and what a beautiful watch.

[@jonrutherford6852]

Thanks for the story of the original owner and his family. Yes, words cannot do justice to the enormity of the crimes against humanity that have been done and continue to be done. It's good to hear you speaking of these things. Sometimes that's the best we can do.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you. I am fortunate to live in a country not affected by anything other than bad politics. With a young family I could not imagine how I’d cope if this happened to me. Felt the story was worth saying and the watch worth saving!

[@elgarxu9636]

what a journey, really love this video.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you.

[@ronl7131]

Nice timepiece. Great restoration.Good story. I have a few oldies and often wonder the back stories.

[@jeff1176]

Good afternoon Mike. Just finished watching this video. Way to persevere. Nicely done. Great story to go with that watch. To leave everything you've known and be forced to leave is undoubtedly a scary situation for Bill's family to endure. Glad he that he gifted you this watch. Tremendous restoration. Congrats

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you Jeff. This story had to be told and I admire Julius courage. I also admire his choice of watch! it was a challenging task this one but I have learnt a heck of a lot in the process. thanks for watching.

[@RocketSailing]

Blimming nice result!

[@DaliwolfBacon]

Gorgeous transformation and what an amazing story to go with this beautiful and classic timepiece. Well done!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you so much!

[@joytekb]

What a story and renovation This last moment with Hungarian music was so soulfull

[@rustywrench2119]

Good to see you again. I’ve been away for awhile I just replaced the balance staff on a Waltham that had the balance staff number scratched into the bottom of the wheel.

[@robertsmith8729]

Absolutely gorgeous. I'm impressed with your resolve to complete the service and repair. Well done.

[@marionchase-kleeves8311]

I am so glad you persevered. Great show, magnificent watch!

[@albertoelli3609]

BRAVOOO!

[@andrewmurton8379]

Wow what an incredible transformation, your perseverance is commendable, many would have folded but not you. The watch will live again and collect more stories with you now. Very well done.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you so much. It was worth all the time and effort. This watch is far to beautiful to not be running.

[@GrahamGlasby]

Great job, great story, great watch. I bet it's been all worth the effort.

[@Fizeeek]

Amazing work Michael. I showed my wife those tiny balance screws and she was lost for words! What a pretty watch. I love the art deco font on the face. Your hard work and determination has given this Omega another hundred years!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you. A labour of love this one . To think that Chris spinner on his channel will show you how to undercut behind those balance screws to remove weight!

[@harun5105]

Very therapeutic video. Sad reality of people not learning from history and how it all is being repeated today, only names and countries are different

[@rhodes6858]

VERY WELL DONE SIR there were several things you mentioned that struck close to my soul. You said that you didn’t think anybody could understand how you felt after all the time you’d spent back and fourth, this that and the other happening and needing to navigate. Oh but sir I do understand cause many a time I have accomplished a bit of what I considered success with no notice from anyone cause it was just me and the project I seemed to be banging my head against. I was impressed with your tenacity to get the old lady back up on her legs and I know how you revealed in it for days after. I also like your allegiance to the story. This video will somehow someway be preserved in the future just like the little Time Machine you repaired. Thank you

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you for your lovely comment. I am still reveling in the achievement and have continually worn the watch ever since which is rare for me as I change watches daily as a rule.

[@michaelhalloran6887]

Wow, epic restoration - well done. I have a 1917 silver cased Omega which looks very similar. The hallmark suggests it was made to be exported to the USA. Possibly brought here by an American officer when they joined the 1st World War.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks. That sounds like a great watch!

[@JosuePineda-lz7jd]

Nice great video

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks!

[@MrPleers]

Such a classic beauty. Happy to see it shine once more.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you SIr.

[@endy_fx]

What an amazing result, I'm so pleased for you. Truly a story and timepiece about surviving turbulent times. Starting off as an Axis officer and finishing interrogating for the Allied powers, without a nation to call your own? I can't imagine it. This one is a true reflection of your grit, determination, willingness to learn and your skill. Chuffed to bits for you. I'm sure someone else will mention it, but apparently one of the best things to clean old enamel dials like this is denture cleaner!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks Endy, I have heard about the denture cleaner but only after I had filmed this one! Chris Spinner shown it in one of his visitors. I am unsure however if it would lift baked on oil that took some doing to remove even with pegwood. Pleased you liked this one, I am just glad it did not beat me and I was able to learn some new skills.

[@Anidiotgoescamping]

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole video. You should feel very proud of your self, that watch is a thing of beauty with a wonderful story. You have done that man proud!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you.

[@Sestorema]

A real wonderful job, sir 👍🙂

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you kindly

[@Sestorema]

@@MyRetroWatches I've an old lovely watch with some problems too...

[@clivejames3772]

Excellent video, so much patience and passion

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you Clive 👍

[@sivanstar]

That was a rollercoaster ride of emotions with this watch. Great job! 👏👏👏

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thank you very much!

[@gerrymcivor374]

Stunning, absolutely stunning.

[@MyRetroWatches]

The watch is a real beauty.

[@Bristol1]

I just watched the first 25 minutes or so that I had missed live. I missed the whole story of the watch! I'm so glad I went back and rewatched the beginning. That's a great story and history of the watch. Great job on this watch, Mike! What a set of challenges to overcome. This turned out very nicely. Cheers!

[@MyRetroWatches]

Thanks as always Bristol . Was a mammoth task this one but the story had to be told and I was too stubborn to give up!

[@jsenear]

This is your best without question. Thank you for a wonderful Journey.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Wow, thank you!

[@jsenear]

@@MyRetroWatches You are most welcome.

[@clive.r1414]

So pleased to see this video Michael! It is a stunning watch and you deserve to enjoy wearing it. When you look at it in it's finished glory you are seeing why Bill's father was taken by its design and made the original purchase. Well done!

[@clive.r1414]

p.s .This video is one of your best.

[@MyRetroWatches]

Clive! and you played a small part ( literally) in helping me with the pallet fork, that is now not needed! thank you again my friend. Hope to see you again.

[@clive.r1414]

@MyRetroWatches I will see you soon I'm sure Michael. The finished watch was so worth all the hassle encountered..... and in no small way helped me to understand more about my 26.5 Omega.

[@WardiTime]

Great video and simply amazing determination Mike, very well done indeed. Perseverance one the day on this one, you have every right to feel pleased with yourself. Great job.

[@Supercruze]

Mike - You have the patience of Job. Way to hang in there and persevere. Well done. John S

[@artonkanava]

Absolutely awesome beauty Watch to see, thank You so much and for that great Gentleman who send it to your care. Arto from Finland.

[@PMELKUS]

In the end Mike you got it running again that's all that matter. Them polishing sticks as you may know but other might not are Eveflex sticks and comes in 6 deferent crits, I use the Fawn color ones most of time and also I use a dab of Flitz to help polish the pivot. Flitz is also a Anti-Corrosion works very well and causes no problem with the oiling.

[@marcduncan4727]

This is the second YT vid I've seen this week dealing with replacing rolled-in jewels. Marshal had 6 on a pocket watch. His 1st time. Guessing, being a pocket watch, the larger sized tools fit

[@MyRetroWatches]

A pocket watch compared to this one is massive. This movement is about 25mm and the jewels maybe 2mm at best. A pocket watch they are considerably easier to

[@clivewiddall3430]

Very nice piece of history to own.

[@martincharman9759]

One of the most absorbing watchmaking videos I've seen Mike! Got to admire your persistence and what a beautiful result!